Hugo Candeias’ decision to leave the leadership of the Paradigma group while chef executive and the Ofício – Tasco Atípico restaurant, it is not a goodbye to the kitchens, but rather a see you soon. THE chef cuts ties with the group, which also owns other projects, such as the restaurants Dona, Canalha, Café do Paço, Isco and Gandaia Club, following the desire to go further in its own name, guarantees Hugo Candeias to Boa Cama Boa Mesa.
Chef Hugo Candeias
In the Paradigma group five years ago, “I started with a project called The Art Gate, which basically combined gastronomy and art as a form of dialogue”, recalls the chef. However, the Covid-19 pandemic ended up dictating that the project was left in the drawer, with others emerging, such as Lota D’Avila, which, however, closed.
Later, Ofício – Tasco Atípico arrived and “we postponed other projects”, he says. But the connection to fine dining remained on the horizon of Hugo Candeias, who worked with Albert Adrià”, the chef Spaniard, brother of Ferran Adrià, at Hoja Santa and NiñoViejo, restaurants where he was head chef.
Office – Atypical Tasco
Luis Ferraz
In the near future, Hugo Candeias plans to return to the kitchen for the second edition of Disco Taco, an event that debuted at the beginning of October, and which will have a second edition in December. “We just need to finalize the date and agree on the location”, he assures.
The first edition was on October 3rd, with free entry and featured tacos by Hugo Candeias, with the cocktails by Zé Robertson, from The Monarch, and the music of Ramboiage. The formula is repeated in this second edition.
Lota D’Ávila
Luis Ferraz
With the arrival of 2006, new projects appear on the horizon. “I’m going to start thinking about the future, and about creating a more personal project, probably in my own name, with a much more pronounced subscription offer”, he guarantees.
He also admits that he does not want to “follow any type of specific trend. Because, in truth, all cooks have a great desire to show what is in their soul, and I am no exception”, he describes.
In the pipeline, which is what he says in Hugo Candeias’s mind, there is also a Mexican haute cuisine restaurant: “I always wanted to bring this concept to Portugal”. Now, “I can put the project into practice, because, in truth, I think Lisbon still doesn’t have a restaurant dedicated to Mexican cuisine in a traditional way”, he considers.
As for the replacement of Hugo Candeias in the Paradigma group, it is not yet known what chef which should be announced “soon”, the company tells Boa Cama Boa Mesa, adding that the operation will be carried out by the resident team.
About Office – Atypical Tasco (Rua Nova da Trindade, 11, Lisbon. Tel. 910456440) can be read in the Boa Cama Boa Mesa 2025 Guide: “The Comer Menu proves that this space really is an atypical tavern, where sharing is permitted. Chef Hugo Candeias’ attitude reflects a panoply of suggestions, where creativity has no limits or rules, “hitchhiking” a journey through various latitudes. From the refreshing “Lettuce Taco, Tuna, Chipotle” to the “Raw Prawns and Fried Garlic”, as well as the “Quail Rice in Cabi-dela”, everything is made with lots of flavor. Finish with the “Dona by Hugo Candeias” Basque cheese tart”.